COP30 Outcomes: A Path Forward for Africa’s Resilience

 March 2026 has been marked by the launch of the Africa4Resilience  Webinar series to enhance Learning and engagement on locally led Adaptation.  PACJA is a member of the initiative.

The series aims at establishing the collaborative as a thought leader in locally led adaptation (LLA) while fostering internal alignment and engaging strategic funding and collaboration partners through meaningful dialogue.

The webinar series has three primary objectives, namely: to build a shared understanding among members regarding shifts in adaptation finance following COP30, to translate global commitments into actionable implications for African institutions, and to strengthen Africa4 Resilience’s reputation as a credible continental platform ahead of COP31.

In the first webinar, which took place on 16 March 2026, the expert explored how COP30 outcomes can translate into meaningful action for Africa.

Speaking on Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and African Priorities, Kutloum Omari provided a comprehensive perspective on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and its relevance for African countries.

In this very important discussions, experts convened to examine how the outcomes of COP30 can translate into a tangible actions for the continent. Being led by key climate leaders Kutloum Omari, Eugene Nforngwa, and Edwin Obiero,  the discussions tackled important aspects of adaptation, just transition and climate finance. In his intervention, Kulthum Omar highlighted  the importance of the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) for African countries and urged that GGA is more than a technical framework. He said that it serves as a vital political tool. She added that “ climate change impacts development outcomes, with countries facing floods, droughts and crises that hamper progress in education, healthcare and infrastructure”.

 She expressed concerns regarding the necessity for improved capacity in data collection and analysis, stating that many African countries struggle to develop effective climate proposals. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of evaluating adaptation finance not only by the amount provided but by its type and accessibility, warning against the dangers of increased debt from loans. Her conclusion emphasised that the GGA should lead to meaningful action and support, or else it risks becoming a bureaucratic exercise.

Mr Eugene  Nforngwa, the Energy Just  Transition thematic lead at PACJA, gave his analysis of the concept by demonstrating the distinct economic realities of Africa. He reminded that Africa contributes only 4% of global emissions and noted that the continent is not transitioning from a high-carbon economy but from energy poverty and under-industrialisation. He cautioned against applying external frameworks that may hinder Africa’s development, stressing the need to protect existing livelihoods in sectors like agriculture and informal energy systems, rather than abruptly replacing them with a focus on green jobs.

Eugene proposed anchoring the transition in productive sectors, advocating for renewable energy to support economic activities and capturing value from natural resources to build domestic industries.

The discussion laid a foundation for future actions, reminding policymakers and stakeholders that the road to resilience and sustainability for the African continent is not just a matter of obligation but a strategic imperative.